A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant.

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The provider has admitted the client to the inpatient obstetrics unit and written prescriptions based on the client's condition. The action the nurse should first assist with is

_____

followed by

_____

A. Dry excess sanitizer from hands with a paper towel: Hand sanitizer should be allowed to dry naturally, and there is no need to wipe it off with a paper towel. Wiping off the sanitizer could reduce its effectiveness in killing germs.

B. Rubs hands together for 10 seconds after applying sanitizer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends rubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds to ensure that the hand sanitizer covers all surfaces of the hands and effectively kills germs.

C. Apply enough sanitizer to completely cover both hands: It is important to apply a sufficient amount of hand sanitizer (usually about a dime-sized amount) to cover both hands entirely. The sanitizer should be rubbed into all areas of the hands, including between fingers and under nails, until the hands are dry.

D. Clean sanitizer from under fingernails using an orangewood stick: This is unnecessary if the sanitizer is applied properly and rubbed in completely. Hand sanitizer should be used to cover all areas of the hands, including under fingernails, and should be allowed to dry naturally without needing to clean it with a stick.

• Temperature 35.3°C (95.5°F): Hypothermia following surgery is concerning because it may reflect poor perfusion, internal bleeding, or shock. Immediate warming measures and evaluation are necessary to prevent further deterioration.
• Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure is lower than previous values and indicates potential hypovolemia or ongoing blood loss. Hypotension post-surgery must be urgently addressed to avoid progression to shock.
• Skin cool and moist to touch: Cool, moist skin is an early clinical sign of decreased tissue perfusion and shock. When found alongside hypotension and hypothermia, it suggests that circulatory compromise may already be developing.
• Moderate amount of sanguineous drainage noted on lower dressing: Moderate bleeding post-laparoscopic surgery is abnormal. This finding, in combination with hypotension and other signs of poor perfusion, strongly suggests possible internal bleeding requiring urgent provider notification.
• Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and reduced gut motility. They are not an immediate sign of a critical complication unless accompanied by abdominal distension or severe pain, they should however be monitored.
• Heart rate 60/min: A heart rate of 60/min is at the lower limit of normal. Although 60/min is still technically within normal range, the trend of decreasing heart rate from baseline 90 beats/min, especially in the setting of hypotension and signs of poor perfusion, is concerning. This decline may indicate worsening hemodynamic status and must be monitored closely for further deterioration..
• Pedal pulse +1 bilateral: Diminished pedal pulses (+1) indicate reduced peripheral circulation. In isolation, it may not be critical, but when combined with hypotension and cool skin, it becomes part of the overall picture suggesting decreased perfusion and should be monitored carefully.